Hughes: 'I'll never forgive myself'

Sunday 28 January 2007 00:08 BST

Lee Hughes claimed the shame of causing death by dangerous driving will stay with him for the rest of his life after being unveiled on Tuesday as an Oldham player.

The 31-year-old former Coventry and West Brom striker apologised publicly for the first time after serving three years of a six-year sentence after he killed father-of-two Douglas Graham in a car accident near Coventry in November 2003. He also caused serious injuries to another man, Albert Frisby, and fled the scene of the accident on foot to avoid a breath test.

But a remorseful Hughes said: "I wish to make some comment about the circumstances that resulted in my imprisonment three years ago. I'm acutely aware of my actions, which resulted in the death of one person and serious injury to others. I only wish I could turn back the clock."

He added: "Although I have served the sentence laid down by law, I know that nothing I can do or say will change what has happened.

"In going some way to facing my responsibilities I have met with a relative of the man who died, and what was said will always remain a private and personal matter.

"For different reasons, I think we were both glad that the meeting occurred.

"This is the first time I've been able to make a public apology for my actions and I now hope for an opportunity to rebuild my life.

"After this press conference I do not intend to discuss or make comment about the events which led to my imprisonment.

"I have made this decision, not out of protection for myself, but with regard to the privacy and respect for the families involved.

"I made dreadful mistakes and decisions that will live with me for the rest of my life. It also greatly affected my immediate family, including my wife and children and I will never forgive myself for this."